Chapter 220: A Secret Crush
Seeing the sincere and earnest expression on Percival’s face, Samuel finally began to believe him, somewhat. However, with a stiffened face, Casimir questioned, “Even if you two aren’t dating, don’t you still have feelings for Raylee? Ask yourself that honestly.”
“I won’t deny it. I do have feelings for her, and it’s been going on for a while!” Percival openly admitted. Initially, he had intended to take it to the grave and resolve things peacefully. However, just a while ago, Raylee had the courage to admit in public that he held a significant place in her heart. Since she didn’t mince words, he figured he, as a man, could at least be open about his feelings. After all, liking someone wasn’t exactly a matter of life and death.
“Sure enough, you still harbor ill intentions toward her!” Casimir clenched his fists. Overwhelmed by emotions, he simply couldn’t keep control.
Percival took a step back, exclaiming irritably, “We’ve agreed not to get physical, and Raylee is still watching us from the cafe! Casimir, for someone who graduated from a prestigious Ivy League school, your choice of words is surprisingly inaccurate, isn’t it? Harbor ill intentions? What do you mean by that? Which of your eyes saw me behaving inappropriately toward her? I have a secret crush on Raylee, and my feelings for her are pure!”
“Even a secret crush isn’t permissible. You’re chasing someone way out of your league. What makes you think you’re worthy of Raylee?” Samuel bluntly belittled Percival.
“Why am I not worthy? Is it because I come from an impoverished single-parent household?” Percival retorted. “My background isn’t the best, but I’ve relied on myself to get to where I am today. In fact, I dare to say that your status doesn’t surpass mine, Mr. Goodridge. I now have the ability and the strength, and I don’t see myself falling short anywhere! A few years back, I was studying abroad and had no idea about what was happening with Raylee. Had I known you two grown men couldn’t even protect a single girl, I would have definitely stepped in myself! Even if I couldn’t stand against the Lorimer family, I would’ve done whatever I could to protect her!”
Those words caused both Casimir and Samuel to bow their heads in shared embarrassment. A moment later, Samuel’s face stiffened as he said, “You’re just spewing bullshit. What’s the use of being a Monday morning quarterback? If you truly cared about Raylee and genuinely liked her, how could you have paid no attention to her news while you were abroad?”
Casimir also nodded in agreement, saying, “That’s right. There’s really no difference between you and us!”
“Yes. I admit my fault. The three of us, grown men, couldn’t even protect a young girl. For this alone, I’ve failed Raylee.” Percival sighed. “I’ve sincerely admitted my mistakes, but what about you two, Casimir and Mr. Goodridge? Since Raylee was released from prison, have any of you sincerely apologized to her? Have you let her experience your affection?”
The two men fell silent once again. Raylee was in prison for four years, but none of them had ever inquired about her situation. That led to her enduring countless hardships in prison. After being released from prison, they had not only not shown her any affection, but they had also repeatedly hurt and disappointed her. In truth, her love turning into resentment was justified. None of them were worthy of her forgiveness.
Percival continued, “You two, in Raylee’s life, can be considered as significant figures. How could you two not be? One was her childhood sweetheart and beloved fiancé, and the other was her doting older brother. I believe she must have valued you both more than her own life in the past. However, what have you two done to her? As an outsider, I have no right to judge and criticize you. All I ask is that you treat her kindly.”
With a stern expression, Samuel retorted, “You don’t need to tell us that. We will naturally be kind to her. However, a lot has happened recently which led to some misunderstandings between us. We never meant to hurt her. Hence, stop it with your empty talk. I’m warning you. Stay away from Raylee. Being with her now will only bring her harm!”
Casimir nodded in agreement. “Samuel is right. Jeremiah just passed away, and Raylee was his fiancée. There’s no way the Lorimer family would let her move on so quickly. Secondly, as you know, I still have feelings for Raylee. If you still consider me a buddy, then don’t interfere!”
“Casimir, enough is enough. You’ve repeated time and again about your love for Raylee. Do you think I’m dead?” Samuel lashed out at Casimir in anger. “If you choose Raylee, what about Wavy? She’s so in love with you. Could you bear to hurt her? No matter what you say, I can’t control your heart, but I absolutely won’t allow any physical actions. You are engaged to Wavy, and you absolutely can’t stray!”